Shipping to Kenya as an Overseas Supplier: Qyvea Handles Freight, Import and Customs
Shipping to a new country is the part exporters fear most. Through Qyvea you do not need a Kenyan importer, a clearing agent or a delivery partner. This guide explains the short list of things you do, and the long list of things Qyvea does.
1. The delivery point
For each order Qyvea tells you the delivery point: its hub in Nairobi or a freight forwarder it names. You pay the cost of getting the goods there, including local transport and export clearance in your country. Do not use another shipping route without Qyvea's written agreement.
2. What you prepare
- Goods packed to survive international transport.
- Every parcel labelled with the Qyvea order code.
- A commercial invoice with value, description, quantity and country of origin, and a packing list.
- Any approval or certificate Qyvea asks for to clear the goods in Kenya.
3. What Qyvea does
- Arranges and pays freight beyond the delivery point.
- Pays Kenyan import duty and handles clearance.
- Delivers to the customer and handles all customer contact.
- Checks the goods when they arrive.
4. Time
When you list a product you enter the days it takes to reach the delivery point. Qyvea adds its own time for customs and delivery in Kenya and shows shoppers an estimate in the International tab. If you will be late, tell Qyvea in the app at once; repeated delay counts as a failed delivery.
5. Risk and ownership
Keep the goods insured until they are received and accepted at the delivery point. Ownership passes to Qyvea when you are paid. If goods are defective or wrong you refund Qyvea and pay return shipping, as set out in section 12.7 of the Vendor Agreement.
6. Frequently asked questions
Do I need a Kenyan company or agent?
No. Qyvea handles import and clearance in Kenya.
Who is responsible for export paperwork?
You are, in your own country, including licences, taxes and duties charged there.
What if my goods cannot be cleared in Kenya?
Goods that cannot lawfully be cleared may be rejected, and you then bear the cost of returning or disposing of them. Check the approval rules before you ship.
Related guides
This guide describes how supplying through Qyvea works at the time of writing. The Vendor Agreement, section 12 and the Sell on Qyvea page are the final word.